How do I even Algebra?

[Blockzillahead]

Here's my process and answer. If you disagree with me, then you're wrong.

ht tp://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=%28-5%282%2F13%29%29+%2F+%28-4%2F39%29

I don't understand. Both of us are correct but the test is messed up. Is is a mixed fraction or a product?

Damn these schools. From the way I got thought it looks like a mixed fraction to me.

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[SeventhSandwich]

Well it seems you're wrong. All the listed answers in the multiple choice were all fractions. lol

You seriously want me to rewrite it as 15/2? what grade are you in?

[kegeshan]

You seriously want me to rewrite it as 15/2? what grade are you in?

I'm a Junior in High School

[Moonstar Akemi]

You seriously want me to rewrite it as 15/2? what grade are you in?

It wasn't 15/2 either. They were fractions in the hundreds. I'd post the answers as proof, but apparently this just happened:

[SeventhSandwich]

Both of us are correct but the test is messed up. Is is a mixed fraction or a product?

A mixed fraction and a product are the same thing. -5(2/13) = -5/1 * 2/13

It wasn't 15/2 either. They were fractions in the hundreds.

Then your test is wrong or it's asking for it in a form that you didn't tell us about.

[Blockzillahead]

It wasn't 15/2 either. They were fractions in the hundreds. I'd post the answers as proof, but apparently this just happened:

His point is that whoever wrote that equation is an idiot. You can't tell if it's a mixed fraction (my solution) or a product (his solution), both of which are correct.

[Blockzillahead]

A mixed fraction and a product are the same thing. -5(2/13) = -5/1 * 2/13
Then your test is wrong or it's asking for it in a form that you didn't tell us about.

Wait so is my solution wrong? Pretty sure that's how you turn a mixed fraction into an improper fraction.

-5(2/13) should be -67/13

Yeah what is going on;
http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=-5+2%2F13

Pretty sure the equation is asking to turn 5 wholes and 2/13 into an improper fraction. I don't think it's asking 5 * 2/13 which is -10/13.

[Themosticles]

Multiply by the reciprocal.

-5 and 2/13 = -67/13*-39/4

Negatives cancel out.

67/13*39/4 = (67*39)/(13*4)= 50.25

I hope I did this right... did this late at night... hope I'm not embarrasing myself. It's summer.

[dkamm65]

-nop-

[Moonstar Akemi]

That answer was one of them. It's probably this one.

[SeventhSandwich]

-5(2/13) should be -67/13

Yeah, you're right. The convention though is that all fractions in algebra are written as improper.  

That answer was one of them. It's probably this one.

For the record, you might want to mention that you're specifically asking for help dividing mixed fractions as opposed to improper fractions.

[Themosticles]

Algebra is pointless anyway. You will never even need to use it in your life unless you are trying to become an engineer or architect. All you really need to learn in life is Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division.

It also helps to be Literate.

What about being a scientist? A chemist? Even a baker. A meteorologist... a statistician? A math teacher? A mathematician. Banker (interest, etc.). Working on wall street.

So yes, if you want to work as a construction worker, there you go... oh wait. They use measurements.

[dkamm65]

For the record, you might want to mention that you're specifically asking for help dividing mixed fractions as opposed to improper fractions.

I thought it was pretty obvious that it was a mixed number.

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=-%28-5%2B2%2F13%29%2F%284%2F39%29

The answer was probably this.

[Moonstar Akemi]

I thought it was pretty obvious that it was a mixed number.

The answer was probably this.

For the record, I believe the five was simply a whole number, making it a mixed number. I have no clue.

[SeventhSandwich]

Algebra is pointless anyway. You will never even need to use it in your life unless you are trying to become an engineer or architect. All you really need to learn in life is Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division.

It also helps to be Literate.

Literacy also includes knowing your English proper nouns.

There's literally thousands of careers that use algebra on a daily basis. Honestly, most students take the 'I'll never use this!' excuse by the time they reach pre-calculus, but you've managed to give up 3-4 years earlier. You're probably a bottom-of-the-barrel student, right? The fact you're venting your frustration about math in a thread dedicated to helping people with math just tells us you're insecure.

I thought it was pretty obvious that it was a mixed number.

I haven't worked in mixed numbers for at least 2 years.